Head Writer – YouTube Explainer Series (STEM) | Palette Media
Location: Remote
Type: Contract
Start: Immediate
About the Series
A digitally native, high-impact YouTube explainer show focused on breaking down complex STEM ideas with cinematic clarity and narrative drive. Inspired by the experimentation of MythBusters, the storytelling of Cleo Abrams, the rigor of Veritasium, the demonstrations of Mark Rober, and the visual pacing of Kurzgesagt. Episodes translate advanced math, physics, science, and engineering into compelling, real-world stories through a locked scripting pipeline: Research → Script V1 → Script V2 → Locked Shooting Script.
Role Overview
The Head Writer serves as the primary writing partner to lead creator Shane Fan, driving episodes from early idea through production-ready script. This role owns the research backbone, narrative structure, and technical integrity of every episode while collaborating closely with production.
Responsibilities
- Develop clear, comprehensive STEM research dossiers from early concepts
- Translate complex math, physics, science, and engineering into accessible explainer scripts
- Verify all scientific and technical claims with credible sourcing
- Source and synthesize academic, journalistic, and expert references
- Identify relevant datasets, case studies, and real-world applications
- Structure strong narrative arcs rooted in research
- Co-write and iterate scripts from V1 → V2 → Locked Shooting Script
- Flag key visual, demonstration, and interactive moments for production
- Track emerging science, technology, and engineering breakthroughs
Qualifications
- Background in math, physics, engineering, data science, or related STEM field
- Degree preferred but not required with proven experience
- Strong analytical, systems-level thinking
- Exceptional ability to interpret technical material
- Clear, engaging explanatory writing style
- Experience in research and/or scripting for media, journalism, academia, or YouTube
- Familiarity with modern explainer formats is a strong plus
What We’re Looking For
- A rigorous researcher with a builder’s mindset
- Someone energized by explaining complex ideas to a mass audience
- Relentless about accuracy, clarity, and verification
- Fast, collaborative, and highly iterative
- Comfortable working inside a production-paced YouTube pipeline
To Apply
Please submit:
- A brief introduction
- Relevant work samples (research packets, explainer scripts, articles, academic work, or portfolio links)